During this past calendar year of 2023, the Major League Baseball community lost several important figures. Among their number were 108 men who at one time or another pulled on a uniform and took the field with a big-league club, including one of the greatest Hall of Fame players of all-time.
Philography: Tim McCarver
With the Phillies taking part in what would become a down-to-the-wire divisional race, McCarver was signed on September 1, 1980 to return as a player. He would serve as a veteran voice in the clubhouse, a lefty pinch-hit bat, and emergency insurance at first base and catcher.
Rest in Peace, “Irish” Mike Ryan
Former longtime Philadelphia Phillies player and coach Mike Ryan passed away on July 7, 2020. He is the second-longest tenured coach in Phillies history.
Phillies 50: Forgotten 1978 – Dan Boitano
In the final game of the 1978 regular season the Phillies gave former first round draft pick pitcher Dan Boitano his lone inning on the mound with the club.
Phillies 50: Forgotten 1980 – Orlando Isales
The Phillies gave outfielder Orlando Isales his only three games of Major League Baseball experience at age 20 during the final weeks of the 1980 season.
MATT VEASEY 